MLB All-Star Game notebook: Rangers praise Bochy, Spencer Strider’s success, Angels talking point
By Kevin Henry
MLB All-Star Game: Texas Rangers players praise Bruce Bochy’s leadership, Carlos Estevez takes step for Los Angeles Angels, and Spencer Strider dishes on why he keeps it simple with the Atlanta Braves.
SEATTLE —As we get closer to the start of the MLB All-Star Game, let’s empty the notebook from media availability prior to the Midsummer Classic here at T-Mobile Park.
Let’s start with a look at the Lone Star State where the Texas Rangers have a 2.0-game lead over the Houston Astros at the All-Star break. What’s one of the big reasons for the turnaround in the Metroplex after Texas finished last season at 68-94. Two of the Texas All-Stars said it has a lot to do with the man overseeing the team.
MLB All-Star Game: Bruce Bochy making impact in first season as Texas Rangers manager
“He was really well accepted and he’s been great from the beginning,” Corey Seager said of Bochy’s arrival this offseason. “For us, it’s just been about getting to know him and gel and move forward.”
Texas will need to recapture some of the early season’s good vibes after going 3-7 in their last 10 games leading up to the break, but Jonah Heim believes having Bochy overseeing the team positions Texas for success in the second half.
“He’s consistent with everything. We could be going good or going bad and he’s going to have a consistent attitude each and every day,” Heim said. “He’s going to come to the ballpark in a good mood and that’s always something to feed off of.”